HOLIDAYS IN PANAMA

We just had the opportunity to celebrate two major holidays in Panama.  Día de la Independéncia de Colombia (Independence Day from Colombia) was celebrated on November 3rd, and Día de la Bandera (Flag Day) on November 4th.  Both days are festively celebrated in Boquete with long parades.  The community gathered in the streets of Boquete to watch all of the schools in the surrounding areas (both public and private) participate in the desfile (parade) with bands, marching, and baton twirling. Panamanians take their parades very seriously, and school bands practice for months (not weeks) in advance!  In addition, as any Panamanian knows, the parade goes on, rain or shine!  Students with the highest grade point averages are highlighted in the parade by leading their school and wearing sashes around their shoulders.  Monica had the opportunity to march in the parade and represent Panama and her school, Academia Internacional Boquete (AIB), as Greg, Matt and I cheered her on.  She marched for 3-4 hours straight both days, and YES, it rained!  As a parent, it was thrilling to be able watch Monica participate in these important Panamanian events, and this is certainly one of the many benefits of having enrolled our children in a local Panamanian school.  We did not feel like we were watching the parades or celebrating the holidays as outsiders, but were proud participants and felt part of the community - so fun!

Día de la Independéncia de Colombia - November 3, 2014 

Monica and her friends from Academia Internacional Boquete (AIB) get ready to march in the parade.

Students carry the school banner as they march in the parade.  Can you spot Monica with her red hair?  

AIB's band practiced for days on end in preparation for the desfile (parade).  Students are playing the lira, a common instrument here in Panama.

These two beautiful girls were happy to have me take their picture and show off their polleras, Panama's traditional dress worn on holidays and special occasions.

Día de la Bandera - November 4, 2014

Monica is ready to march and wave her Panamanian flag.

Monica participated in a second day of marching to celebrate Día de la Bandera.

The parade for Día de la Bandera was very colorful, and participants were invited to wear "tipica", Panama's traditional clothing.

Panamanian students were eager to dress up in traditional clothing and show their pride in their country.

Students in this school wore brightly colored costumes and masks and danced for the audience.

The traditional Panamanian dress is the pollera, and women often wear colorful beads in their hair, as seen in this picture.